Georgia Tech bound Denzel McCoy (72) will anchor Northview’s defensive line. The success of the Titan triple-option attack will hinge on QB Kane Whitehurst (10).

By Jason Longshore

“Earning it” is a phrase used often when discussing the upcoming season at Northview High School. Coach Jim Showfety continues his rebuilding effort this year after the Titans went winless in 2008. Things won’t get easier in 2009 as Northview attempts to navigate one of the most difficult regions in Georgia high school football. With two teams from the region-7AAAAA ranked in the top six in preseason polls, the Titans do not have an easy task on their hands.

“Last season was extremely frustrating,” said Coach Showfety, who led Chamblee High School to the AAA state semifinals in 2007. “We had high hopes that didn’t work out. Now the kids have a better understanding of what it takes to compete.”

Showfety is aware of the challenges his Titans will face against state ranked teams such as Peachtree Ridge and North Gwinnett. “Playing hard will be a necessity for us. It’s hard to match up athletically; we’ll have to make up for the physical shortcomings by staying disciplined and having strong fundamentals.”

Nearly 150 kids signed up for the team in the spring, however, as August rolled around, only about 90 kids stuck between the varsity and junior varsity. “We don’t make it a birthday party,” said Showfety. “You have to prove that you belong week after week.”

With a smaller roster than most, the challenge will be that much more difficult. “Depth is a concern for us,” said Showfety. “We’re trying to limit the amount of 2-way players we have. We’re hoping to find some more contributors.”

Northview has some D-1 talent to build around. Senior DT Denzel McCoy has committed to Georgia Tech. McCoy is a top 20 prospect in the state, according to Rivals.com. He has recorded 125 tackles, 18 tackles for a loss, and nine sacks over the last two seasons. Senior TE Cameron Fordham will be going to LSU, no doubt influenced by former Titans teammate Cordian Haggans, a defensive lineman in Baton Rouge. Fordham is an excellent athlete, recording 76 tackles and 7.5 sacks last season as a linebacker. Both will be counted on to be leaders of this young squad. “Those two have embraced their roles as team leaders,” said Showfety. “We’re looking for big things from them.”

OFFENSE

The Titans will be using a triple option attack. Showfety has used the offense throughout his career, including the 2007 trip to the AAA state semifinal.

The key man in this attack is junior quarterback Kane Whitehurst. He showed promise early last year before breaking his collarbone and missing the second half of the season. His quickness will cause opponents problems.

As is the case with many option teams, the backfield will see a running back by committee approach. Marco Santana unfortunately will miss 2-3 weeks after injuring his ankle in the August 15th scrimmage with Milton. His work throughout the offseason put him in a position to see a lot of time this season.

The offensive line will be anchored by senior center Christian Ericson and junior right tackle Taylor Malone. McCoy, who did not play that much on offense in 2008, will see the bulk of the time at left tackle. Both guard spots will see new starters from last season.

Even though the triple option is the focus, expect to see tight end Fordham get involved in the attack as much as possible. His size and speed present serious match-up issues for opposing defenses.

DEFENSE

Northview will be switching to a 3-4 defense in 2009. “The kids are really excited about the change,” said Showfety. The Titans must improve in this area after giving up an average of 37.5 points per game last season.

Lots of eyes will be on McCoy going into his senior season. He caused Milton’s offensive line lots of problems in August 15th scrimmage. His quickness off the line makes him tough to block. In the 3-4, McCoy is used as the left end. College scouts are projecting him as a defensive tackle at the next level.

Junior Zach Cable is a returning starter at middle linebacker. “Zach is really stepping as a leader,” said Showfety. “He always plays hard and really understands our defensive schemes.”

Expect to see Fordham getting lots of time at linebacker. His huge hit causing a fumble was one of the highlights in the Milton scrimmage.

Junior Josh Gregory is one of many fighting for playing time in the secondary. His hard work in the offseason will earn him time on both sides of the ball.

A number of positions on the defensive side of the ball are up for grabs. “Every program needs competition from within,” said Showfety. “The kids have to work hard and they know that nobody’s job is secure.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

Following a recent trend, the Titans have dipped into the local soccer community to improve its kicking game. Senior Tyler Chamblin is making great progress in his first year of football. “He’s really comfortable as a placekicker,” said Showfety. “Even though he’s still learning, he might punt too. He’s got great potential and we’re really glad to have him.”

As a whole, special teams was an area that caused Showfety some problems last season. According to Showfety, mistakes on special teams cost the Titans two or three wins last season. “We need significant improvement in this area, it’s something I’ve always prided myself on,” said Showfety. “The kids are really stepping up and realize how much work we need here.”

With a strong junior class, the pieces are in place to start seeing progress in Northview’s rebuilding effort. “I feel like this group is really committed, they want to turn things around,” said Showfety.

2009 Northview Titan Roster (Players are list numerically) Logan Segraves, Chris Johnson, Josh Gregory, Josh Christopher, Evan Jacks, Austin Rose, Joseph Duarte, Denis Onwualu, Jack Shelton, Kane Whitehurst, Cameron Fordham, Tyler Chamblin, Evan Sather, TJ Brown, Daniel Collins, Marco Santana, Brad Foster, AJ Pearson, Brandon McCalla, Michael Olsen, Kevin Muench, Spencer Chapel, Kenneth House, Jared Smith, Zack Cable, Marc Pomerantz, Ryan Ware, Matthew Stanhope, David Lee, Lex Clary, Bryan Mays, Van King, Jerrell Atkins, David Choi, Kody Linnear, Ricky Miles, Christian Ericson, Jalen Johnson, Nick Morrison, Chip Turnbow, Chris Butcher, George Zheng, Billy Caras, Matt Evanson, Dean McDonald, Patrick Driscoll, Christian Manicalco, Jonathan Pegues, Mark Miller, Aaron Siegel, Denzel McCoy, Jacob Kull, Taylor Malone, Marlon Washington, Jamie Wiese, Clifford Cadet, Jonathan Mosley, Chisom Okolie, Nathan Schnall, Arturo Gutierrez, Paul Abuto. 2009 Northview Cheerleading roster unavailable at press time.

Jason Longshore on Northview

PREDICTION: Size and athleticism will both be lacking for Northview in 2009. Matching up with state ranked teams like Peachtree Ridge and North Gwinnett will be incredibly difficult for the Titans. Opening up at Centennial on August 28th will give a progress report on the state of the program.

 
One thing that was evident in the August 15th scrimmage with Milton was that even though the Titans did not have the size or the athletes that Milton had, the players worked extremely hard and did not give up. They did not look like a team that was winless last year. That effort and commitment bodes well for the future of Northview football.

McCoy and Fordham are two guys that any program in the state would like to have. They’re going to be asked to do a lot on both sides of the ball in order to keep the Titans in games. Their ability to be leaders by example will go a long way to lifting their teammates throughout the season.  

Improving on the fundamentals, decreasing the penalties (a problem in the Milton scrimmage), and cutting down on mistakes will result in some wins for Northview this season. Whitehurst is tough to contain on the option, if a running back can grab the position for himself, the offense will be strong.  

Defensively, the front seven are solid. If the secondary can gel, the defense will be improved over last year’s struggles.  

That’s definitely a lot of ifs, but that’s the reality in a rebuilding program, in a stacked region 7-AAAAA, look for Northview to improve on last year’s winless season with two wins this year.